Figures for international travellers heading for the Americas grew again in 2010 after a disastrous 2009, according to industry analysts Euromonitor International.
In North America, better growth this year came from improved air capacity, a more stable economy and business travellers hitting the road again after a stay-at-home 2009.
South America, although less sensitive to the global downturn, saw lower growth rates but Euromonitor states that the region holds the key to an every growing niche market – lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travellers (LGBT).
LGBT tourism is “probably the most important market niche in terms of growth and sales in the Americas” according to Euromonitor.
While the gay community is thought to account for around 6% of the total population, gay tourism is said to contribute 10% of the total global travel market, derived from 70 million tourists.
Buenos Aires, Puerto Vallarta in Mexico and Rio De Janeiro are huge draws for the gay market and access is set to improve with South America, particularly Brazil, engaging in open skies agreements that will remove price restrictions and open up routes.
by Dinah Hatch
